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Quick Reference Guide
Tips for Online Communications
The objective of a “discussion assignments” is for the student to actually discuss his/her understanding of a particular topic. Online learning is especially powerful when students engageone another in discussion about the content of their courses. The way one student understand atopic may differ from the way others understand the same topic. This variation understandingdepends on personal context, and when it is shared, everyone learns more about the content thanthey do when simply reading and studying alone.In the NCVPS, students have five means of communicating with instructors and fellow students:
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Blackboard Messaging and Email
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Wimba Classroom and Pronto Instant Messaging
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Personal Email
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Discussion Forums
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Web 2.0 Tools
Blackboard Email
Blackboard has an internal messaging and email system. This will be the student’s primarymeans of communication with an instructor. Personal email only be used an a secondary meanof communication.
When sending an email to the instructor, make sure to consider the following:
1.
Clearly state the nature of the message in the subject line of the email. Some instructors havefull-time teaching jobs and are unable to communicate with NCVPS students during schoolhours. However, when they do get a chance to read their email, they can manage their timemore effectively if they know the nature of your message without having to open themessage. The following are email “subject line codes” suggested for use whencommunicating with the instructor:
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EMERGENCY: An emergency means there is a problem, but the NCVPS DLAcannot help and it needs to be solved before the end of the school day.True emergencies are situations like a death or family illness that will prevent thestudent from completing an assignment or taking a test.Questions about assignments, due dates or tests do NOT constitute emergencies.
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NOTE:
Remember the story about the little boy who “cried wolf.” If you abuse theexcuse of an “emergency” your teacher may not recognize that you truly do needimmediate assistance.
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HOMEWORK QUESTION: (self-explanatory)
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CLARIFICATION: The student uses this code when he/she needs a clearer explanation of course content or assignments. Students are also encouraged to postquestions to the discussion forum allowing other students to discuss or assist.2.Students who email instructor(s) between Monday and Thursday can typically expect aresponse within 24 hours.3.Students who email between Friday and Sunday can expect a response before 8 AM onMonday.4.Also, refer to the “netiquette” explanation in the “Discipline” section to be advised onappropriate conduct for email communication.
Wimba Classroom and Pronto Instant Messaging
Wimba is the live classroom that NCVPS uses in its Blackboard courses. You will need to gothrough a setup the first time you use it. Pronto is Wimba’s instant messaging program. You willneed to download this program from your Blackboard course.
Personal Email
NCVPS students are required to have an email account. The personal email account is used as a backup to the Blackboard messaging and email system. If the Blackboard website is down or if the student’s password does not work, the student can use his or her personal email to contact theinstructor.
NOTE:
The student’s email account name must be chosen with good judgment. TheDistance Learning Advisor (DLA) has discretion to ask the student to change his/her emailaddress name if it is deemed inappropriate.
Discussion Forums
Discussion forums (also called threaded discussions) are another commonly used communicationtool. Discussion forums, like email, are asynchronous forms of communication. This means thateveryone is working on different schedules. Immediate responses can be expected from either email or discussion forums. Here are some tips for the effective use of threaded discussions:01There are two ways to participate in a discussion on Blackboard:
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From the actual discussion assignment page, click on “Join Discussion”
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Go directly to the CourseRoom in Blackboard to start a new discussion or to joinan existing discussion.2The only time a student should start a discussion is when introducing an altogether newtopic or when a question needs to be answered.
NOTE
: Students should never start
a discussion as part of participation in an assignedtopic. If a student starts a new discussion rather than participating in the thread begun bythe instructor, credit may not be granted for participation.3Be descriptive when naming contributions to a discussion. The document title (the areawhere a discussion submission is described) is what other students use to decide if theywant to read or participate in the discussion. Be descriptive and creative.4The purpose of discussion assignments is for students to exchange thoughts on a topicand to learn from one another.
NOTE:
Do not confuse “email responses” to instructors with “discussion forum” participation.
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An email response to the instructor typically notates answering a homework question.
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Students participate in class by responding to discussion threads started by theinstructor. Therefore,
no email responses to a threaded discussion will be accepted.
Class Discussion Community
The purpose of the threaded discussion area is to help students synthesize ideas about coursetopics and carry out group work collaboratively. The following is a list of tips for posting to theClass Discussion Community:1.Keep messages related to topics that are pertinent to course topics.
2.
Make sure your response is thoughtful. Responses of “I agree” add nothing to the contentof the discussion. Mention why you agree, refer to other points raised and try to put your response in context.3.Do not post virus warnings, spam or chain email messages.4.Keep criticism constructive. Discussion forums are a good place to debate issues, butkeep the focus on the issues. Never attack anyone personally.
5.
Remain respectful when you disagree with someone or are angry with another student or teacher. Do not EVER use flames or insults. Flames and insults, on- or off-line,
WILLNOT BE TOLERATED
.
NOTE:
Bold or capitalized words and sentences in posts are typically interpreted asstrong emphasis of a point, whereas an entire message in all-caps is typically interpretedas anger or abuse.
6.
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